Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
All you need are a few pantry staples to make these delicious honey lemon pepper wings. They’re so crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. These chicken wings are the perfect game-day appetizer or as an easy finger-licking dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, lemon, and pepper creates a mouthwatering sauce that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy these wings as a starter for parties, a main dish for dinner, or even as a snack while watching your favorite sports game.
- Crispy Perfection: Baking at high temperatures ensures that these wings get that desirable crunch without deep frying.
- Customizable: Adjust the level of sweetness or spice to suit your family’s taste preferences easily.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing honey lemon pepper wings easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for cooking the wings evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing the chicken wings with seasonings and sauce.
- Small saucepan: Ideal for simmering the honey lemon pepper sauce to enhance flavors.
Ingredients
All you need are a few pantry staples to make these delicious honey lemon pepper wings. They’re so crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. These chicken wings are the perfect game-day appetizer or as an easy finger-licking dinner.
For the Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 3 tablespoons potato starch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- oil spray
For the Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 lemon zested
- ¼ cup lemon juice (or more)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1-2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 pinch salt
How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat the oven to 450°F. Pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel if they are moist.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Add the potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the chicken wings. Toss to coat the chicken wings evenly.
Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Lightly spray some oil onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Transfer the chicken wings to this sheet pan in a single layer. Spray the tops of the chicken with some more oil.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Decrease the oven temperature to 425°F and bake the chicken wings for 35 to 40 minutes (depending on their size). Flip them halfway through cooking time. Spray a bit more oil on top during this flip.
Step 5: Make Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
While baking, prepare your sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until everything is well combined. Set aside a small portion if you want dipping sauce later.
Step 6: Toss in Sauce
Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a bowl. Toss them in your prepared honey lemon pepper sauce until well coated.
Enjoy your homemade Honey Lemon Pepper Wings!
How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Honey lemon pepper wings are versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, these wings will impress everyone at the table.
Game Day Platter
- Serve the wings on a large platter surrounded by various dips like ranch and blue cheese for a fun game day snack.
Salad Topping
- Slice the wings and add them to a fresh green salad for a flavorful twist that combines crispy wings with crunchy veggies.
Sandwich Filling
- Use the honey lemon pepper wings as a filling in sandwiches or wraps, adding lettuce and tomatoes for freshness.
Appetizer Skewers
- Thread the wings onto skewers for easy serving at parties; this makes them perfect finger foods.
Pair with Fries
- Serve with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a classic combination that everyone loves.
On a Bed of Rice
- Place the wings over steamed rice to soak up all the delicious sauce, creating a satisfying meal.
How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
To achieve the best honey lemon pepper wings, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to ensure your wings are perfectly crispy and flavorful.
- Use Potato Starch: This ingredient helps create an extra crispy coating on your wings.
- Pat Dry Before Coating: Ensuring your chicken wings are dry before applying seasonings helps them crisp up in the oven.
- Flip Halfway Through: Turning the wings halfway through baking ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the amount of lemon juice or honey based on your taste preference; more honey adds sweetness, while extra lemon juice enhances tanginess.
- Let Sauce Cool Slightly: Allowing the sauce to cool slightly before tossing it with the wings helps it stick better without making them soggy.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve your honey lemon pepper wings right after tossing them in sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
When serving honey lemon pepper wings, pairing them with delightful side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and balances the sweetness of the wings.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that complements chicken well.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds a sweet touch that pairs beautifully with spicy flavors.
- Vegetable Crudités: Fresh raw vegetables served with dip offer a refreshing contrast to rich chicken wings.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy macaroni and cheese creates a comforting side that appeals to all ages.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans makes them an excellent companion for savory wing flavors.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs provides a light base that complements the rich sauce of honey lemon pepper wings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making honey lemon pepper wings can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your wings turn out perfectly.
- Not drying the wings properly: Moist chicken wings can lead to soggy skin. Always pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
- Skipping the baking powder: Baking powder is essential for achieving crispy skin. Don’t omit it from your ingredient list.
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many wings on the tray can result in uneven cooking. Ensure the wings are in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
- Ignoring the sauce timing: Adding sauce too early can make wings soggy. Wait until they are fully cooked and crispy before tossing them in the sauce.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Everyone’s taste is different. Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice or pepper according to your preference for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover honey lemon pepper wings in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Place cooled wings in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but be aware that this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings crispy?
To achieve crispy honey lemon pepper wings, make sure to dry them well before seasoning and use baking powder in your coating mix.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just ensure they are fully thawed before following the recipe instructions for best results.
What can I serve with Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
These delicious wings pair wonderfully with celery sticks, carrots, and your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.
How do I spice up my Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
Feel free to add additional spices such as cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to give your honey lemon pepper wings an extra kick!
Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Yes! You can air fry honey lemon pepper wings at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Honey lemon pepper wings are not just tasty; they are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion—from game day snacks to family dinners. You can customize them by adjusting the sweetness of the honey or adding more spices as per your taste. Enjoy crafting these delightful bites and impress your guests!
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, a perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. These wings are ideal for game days, family dinners, or any gathering where finger-licking good food is a must. With just a few pantry staples and easy preparation steps, you can create a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with flavor. Serve them with your favorite dips or as part of a meal; they’re versatile enough to satisfy any craving.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 3 tablespoons potato starch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- oil spray
- ½ cup honey
- 1 lemon zested
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1–2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Pat chicken wings dry, then coat with potato starch, baking powder, and seasonings.
- Arrange wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with oil.
- Bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the wings bake, prepare the sauce by simmering honey, lemon juice/zest, garlic, butter, salt, and pepper in a saucepan for 3-5 minutes.
- Toss baked wings in the honey lemon pepper sauce until well-coated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings (120g)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
